Rawalakot

Rawalakot, the capital of the Poonch district in Azad Kashmir, is affectionately known as the 'Pearl Valley' due to its remarkable natural vistas. Positioned in a saucer-shaped valley surrounded by hills, the city enjoys a temperate climate that makes it a popular summer escape. Major nearby attractions include the serene Banjosa Lake, an artificial lake fringed by dense pine forests, and Toli Peer, a hilltop destination offering wide-open 360-degree views of the region. The landscape is a mix of terraced farms, lush forests, and winding mountain paths. The local bazaars in Rawalakot are excellent places to discover Kashmiri shawls and unique handicrafts. Food enthusiasts can enjoy authentic local dishes like Goshtaba and aromatic rice preparations. Rawalakot is a comfortable three-to-four-hour drive from Islamabad. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn seasons, when the valley is draped in animated colors and the temperature is handy for sightseeing and trekking.

Nearby cities

Rawalpindi

The bustling 'Twin City' of Islamabad with rich military history and vibrant bazaars.

Muzaffarabad

The capital city of Azad Kashmir, nestled at the scenic confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers.

Islamabad

The modern, green capital of Pakistan nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills.

Mingora

Mingora is the largest city in the Swat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an area renowned for its natural beauty and archaeological sites.

Abbottabad

Abbottabad is a charming hill city known for its mild climate and as a gateway to the northern areas of Pakistan.

Skardu

The capital of Baltistan and the main gateway to the world's highest peaks, including K2.

Gilgit

A historic Silk Road hub and the gateway to the Karakoram's highest peaks.

Kohat

Kohat is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for its strategic location and guava production.

Charsadda

Charsadda is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located near the ancient capital of Gandhara, Pushkalavati.

Nowshera

Nowshera is a city on the Kabul River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an important industrial and communications hub.

Mansehra

Mansehra is a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving as a gateway to northern areas like the Kaghan Valley.

Chitral

An isolated city in the Hindu Kush, known for its majestic fort and proximity to Trich Mir.

Murree

Pakistan's most popular hill station, known for its colonial architecture and dense pine forests.

Neelum Valley (Sharda)

A historical and scenic town on the banks of the Neelum River, famous for the ruins of Sharda Peeth.

Keran

An idyllic village on the banks of the Neelum River, located right on the Line of Control with India.

History & landmarks

Peshawar

One of the oldest living cities in South Asia, famous for its history and bazaars.

Mardan

The historical heart of Gandhara, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Takht-i-Bahi.

Nature

Saif-ul-Maluk Lake

A stunning alpine lake located in the Kaghan Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Lulusar Lake

A group of mountain peaks and a lake in the Kaghan Valley, the main source of the Kunhar River.

More places

Kaghan Valley

The Kaghan Valley is a picture-postcard alpine landscape in the Mansehra district.

Ayubia National Park

A forest park in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for its hiking trails and monkeys.

Tarbela Dam

A massive earth-filled dam on the Indus River, one of the largest in the world.

Swat Valley

The Swat Valley, often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Pakistan', is a magnificent mountain valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi

A well-preserved Buddhist monastic complex dating to the 1st century BCE, perched on a hilltop.